Norfolk 'Select' v Belgium

'A Triple Event'

What a week-end we have just had.

In 2002 the Belgium team invited us to play them in Belgium. We did and managed to beat them. The Belgians looked after us superbly. Those of us that went to Belgium still talk about it.

In 2003, the team from Norfolk invited the Belgium team to a return match and the challenge was accepted for the week-end 13 - 16 June.

The first leg of the "Triple" was held on Friday 13th June at 'Roundwood Indoor Bowls' Taverham. The game, Indoor Long Mat Bowls, was not a terribly serious game but an enjoyable time was had by all the contestants.

On Saturday 14th June the venue was Anglian Windows Sports Club. The Bowls competition was on their outside green. It was an extremely happy occasion, a good 'ice breaker' and many new friendships were developed. The bowling was very exciting due mainly to the fact that many of the players on both sides had never played bowls on an outside green before.

The afternoon was devoted to showing our guests what a fine city Norwich is. One of the highlights of the afternoon was that we ran into Mr Bullock the 'Town Crier' in all his regalia in Elm Hill. Our guests were thrilled when he gave them a demonstration of his skills.

Sunday 15th June was the 'Big one' The team from Norfolk took on the Belgians at Short Mat Bowls. The Venue was the Bob Carter Centre at Drayton.

The teams were very strong. The opposition had many players who had represented their country at 'World' level plus many others who had reached 'National' levels. We were fortunate to have players who had also reached the heights of success in Short Mat Bowls. It would be wrong to highlight a few players on both sides, every one played to the best of their ability and it is unfair not to mention each and everyone by name. However there were one or two players who must be mentioned. They were involved in 'the highest score' games:-

Belgium	Singles	R. Martens
	Pairs	L. Helsen & F. Horemans
	Triples	F. De Vos, J. Hauerbeke & B. Van Hyfte
	Fours	F. Van Haele, D. Neyt, A. Soudan & E. Reyckeart
Norfolk	Singles	John Turner
	Pairs	P. Ling & S. Harman
	Triples	C. Willis, G. Reason & G. Clarke
	Fours	G. Potter, M. Hall, M McPherson & R. Howlett
R. McPherson had two 'needle' games playing in his 'singles bouts.

The final result:- Norfolk 340 shots and 42 points. Belgium 310 shots and 30 points. Norfolk were victorious for the second year running.

The competition was honoured by the presence of:-
Mr Michael Northover, Vice-Chairman Broadland District Council
Mr Chris Southgate, Lord Mayor of Norwich
Mrs Jeanne Southgate, Lady Mayoress of Norwich
Mr Jonathon Payne, representing Belgium Curve Bowls Association
Mr George Clarke, President English Short Mat Bowls Association
Mr John Richardson, President Norfolk Short Mat Bowls Association

Mr Northover, Cllr Southgate and Mrs Southgate presented our guests with mementoes of their visit as well as the trophy to the winning team.

The Lady Mayoress was presented with a basket of flowers by Miss Jacquie Bridge (aged 7) the team mascot. Miss Bridge carried out her official duty with great charm.

Mr & Mrs John Turner and Mr George Clarke organised this competition and they should be congratulated on a job well done.

Plans are already underway for a return fixture. The Belgians have challenged us to play them once again in Belgium during 2004 (provisionally June)